What the Tooth Fairy Didn't Tell You (Continued)

Here are some foods and beverages have been shown to promote good oral health:

Green Tea: A University of Illinois-Chicago study found that drinking green tea reduced the number of bad-breath causing bacteria. In another study, Pace University researchers found that flavonoids in green tea work with the germ-fighting compounds in toothpaste and mouthwash boosting their effectiveness, thereby helping fight viruses and cavities.

Black Tea: A 2005 study from India found that people who drank black tea for one year had a reduced risk of developing oral cancer.

Cranberry Juice: At the University of Rochester, researchers have shown that cranberry juice helps prevent plaque formation on teeth thus potentially reducing both decay and gum disease. Another research team at the University of Illinois-Chicago found that cranberry juice reduced the growth of oral pathogens.

Raisins: At a 2005 conference of the American society for Microbiology, researchers showed that the phytochemicals in raisins and seedless grapes helped slow the growth of bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease.

Dark Chocolate: Chocolate, which uses more of the cocoa solids (60—70%+) and that does NOT have milk fats or hydrogenated oils have polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins that all have antibacterial effect, decreasing decay and improving gum health. That's good news!

Water: Water is basic to our diet and the more we drink the more buffering potential it has, as long as you drink the right water! You see the acidity of bottled waters vary dramatically from Perrier at a pH of 5.46 to Trinity Springs with a pH of 9. Ideally, a more alkaline pH is advisable with the ideal being around 7.4, the pH of human blood. This slightly alkaline pH will help buffer some of the acids in the mouth that contribute to decay and erosion.

by
Brenda Bell
As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the benefits that made it cost-effective for me to go with the real healthcare (HSA) plan rather than the phony (HRA) plan is that my company is now covering "preventative" medicines at $0 copay. The formulary for these, as stated by CVS/Caremark (my pharmacy benefits provider), covers all test strips, lancets, and control solutions. I dutifully get my doctor to write up prescriptions for all of my testing needs, submit...